Before I started reading, I assumed that the Japanese and German curriculum would be much more rigorous and intense in comparison with the American curriculum because of all the talk for reform. As I read the chapter, I noticed that the methods were similar, where teachers started off the day with a review/going over hw, and then getting into the day's lesson. The biggest difference that the author points out is in the details of the lesson and I saw how lesson delivery in the US seemed to be more "spoon-fed" and simplified when comparing it with lessons from Japan and Germany.
The author does go into the spectrum of teaching style from each country and I can see that even though the spectrum may be wide, the US seems to always focus more on the student and making sure that the student gets help at any sign of struggling. This might be a big reason why other countries always flourish on international tests. Japan and Germany's teaching styles reflect on providing students with the tools to solve problems themselves and develop a skill-set that allows them to "fend for themselves" if a new and difficult situation occurs.
This book has been helpful in identifying what the issues are and where the gaps are, and I think as I read on, I'll learn more that will pertain to me as a teacher rather than me as a student.
The author does go into the spectrum of teaching style from each country and I can see that even though the spectrum may be wide, the US seems to always focus more on the student and making sure that the student gets help at any sign of struggling. This might be a big reason why other countries always flourish on international tests. Japan and Germany's teaching styles reflect on providing students with the tools to solve problems themselves and develop a skill-set that allows them to "fend for themselves" if a new and difficult situation occurs.
This book has been helpful in identifying what the issues are and where the gaps are, and I think as I read on, I'll learn more that will pertain to me as a teacher rather than me as a student.